Defra, acting in its role as Chair of the Bass Management Group, has removed Bass Angling Conservation from the BMG and its subgroups.
BAC is a strong supporter of the goals of the Bass Fisheries Management Plan and has provided considerable constructive support to the BMG. But we have also consistently challenged the prioritisation of Bass FMP work and have been critical of the BMG not having been involved in some bass fishery decisions. We have also tabled serious concerns with the ICES science advice used in making bass fishing decisions.
BAC strongly believes the most important goals of the Bass FMP are:
- the maximisation of social and economic benefits for coastal communities; and
- developing alternative harvest strategies that don’t target killing the most bass over time.
BAC’s work for an excellent bass fishery will continue outside the BMG. Our primary focus is providing the evidence base to support the decisions needed to bring about an excellent bass fishery. We will continue to lobby for improvements to the bass fishery and to oppose proposals that will damage it.
We are extremely grateful for the strong support we continue to receive from the recreational sea fishing community.
Comment (1)
Steve Pitts| October 3, 2026
As someone who has been involved in most stages of the Bass FPM process and attended several Bass Management Group and sub-group meetings, I find this bad faith move by Defra outrageous.
I would urge the remaining recreational sector representatives to withdraw from further meetings, discussions and support of the Bass FMP until BAC has been reinstated as a member of the Bass Management Group.